Cleveland Metroparks Zoo spreads across a wooded valley a short drive south of downtown, and it is one of the region's most popular days out. It belongs to Cleveland Metroparks, the park system that rings the city, and it mixes large outdoor habitats with major indoor buildings, which matters in a city where winter arrives early. Outdoors, the African Savanna brings giraffes and other plains animals together, while the Primate, Cat and Aquatics building and the indoor rainforest provide warm, sheltered viewing of gorillas, monkeys, cats, fish and tropical species when the weather turns. Paths wind through trees and up and down the valley, and the zoo is big enough that you will want comfortable shoes and a plan. In the holiday season the zoo hosts Wild Winter Lights, an evening lights event that has become a local tradition, with separate tickets and dates published by the zoo.
Hours and closures: from October through March the zoo opens from 10am to 4pm, and the box office closes an hour earlier, at 3pm, so do not arrive late in the afternoon. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The zoo suggests allowing extra travel time on busy days, especially weekends and Mondays.
Getting there and parking: the address is 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, about fifteen minutes by car from downtown. The main parking lots are Stork, Otter and Tiger, and on busy days staff may direct drivers to the auxiliary Bear lot, so follow the signs on arrival. Check current admission prices on the zoo's rates page before you go, and look out for the evening holiday lights event, which has its own tickets.
Planning a winter visit: in November, build your route around the indoor buildings and the animals that enjoy the cold, and save the outdoor loops for the warmest part of the day, around midday. Dress in layers, because you will move between heated buildings and chilly paths. For families, a morning at the zoo and an afternoon at the Museum of Illusions downtown or the Christmas Story house makes a full day with plenty of indoor time. In warmer months, allow most of a day to see everything at an easy pace.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit through outdoor habitats such as the African Savanna and large indoor buildings including the rainforest and the Primate, Cat and Aquatics building.
Best time
Late morning to early afternoon in winter, the warmest hours, and weekdays other than Monday for smaller crowds.
How long
Three to four hours in winter; most of a day in summer.
Tips
Arrive well before the 3pm box office close in winter, dress in layers, and check the zoo's site for holiday lights dates and prices.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and animal lovers looking for a full day out close to the city.
- Families
- The top family attraction in Cleveland, with indoor buildings that make winter visits workable.
- Couples
- An evening at the holiday lights event, with hot drinks between the displays.
- Pair with
- The Museum of Illusions downtown or the Christmas Story house for an indoor afternoon.
- Time needed
- Half a day in the cold months, a full day in summer.
Good questions
What are the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo winter hours?+
From October through March the zoo is open from 10am to 4pm. The box office closes at 3pm, an hour before the zoo.
Is the zoo open on Thanksgiving?+
No, the zoo is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. It is open on other days through the winter.
Is the Cleveland zoo worth visiting in winter?+
Yes, the indoor rainforest and the Primate, Cat and Aquatics building keep much of the visit warm. Crowds are also smaller than in summer.
Where do you park at the zoo?+
The main lots are Stork, Otter and Tiger, at 3900 Wildlife Way. On busy days staff may send drivers to the auxiliary Bear lot.
What is Wild Winter Lights?+
It is the zoo's evening holiday lights event, a local tradition in the festive season. It has separate tickets and dates, so check the zoo's website.
